LAKES REPORT - 5/15/26

Lake season continues to build across Central Oregon and access is now wide open with both the Cascade Lakes Highway and road into East Lake and Paulina Lake open. Early reports coming out of opening week have been solid with balanced leeches, chironomids, and stripped buggers while water temps are still cool and before the afternoon W-Work. 

Crane Prairie continues to fish well with indicator and dry-dropper setups producing the most consistent action. Chironomid activity is increasing and fish are starting to key on them more consistently. Stripping leeches and smaller buggers has also been a good way to cover water and find more aggressive fish cruising the shallows.

Warmer afternoons are starting to push more fish into the edges and flooded structure zones. We’re still a little early for consistent damsel or callibaetis fishing, but both feel like they’re getting closer every week as water temps continue to rise.

Right now the best approach remains pretty simple—fish slow, pay attention to depth changes throughout the day, and focus on clean presentations around structure and transition zones.

Recommended Dries:
Double Chubbies #12-14, Para Cricket #12-16

Recommended Nymphs:
Balanced Leeches, KJ Diawl, Red Ass, Zebra Midges, Fire Starters, Chironomids

Join us May 16th at the Bend Shop for an evening of snacks, libations and a chat about lake fishing around Central Oregon, featuring F&F Owner Scott Cook!

Event Info.